Summer Challenge Updates

It's only been a couple of weeks since I started some new challenges for summer, but I thought an update post would be good.

Challenge #1: 30-day AB Challenge

Today is day 16, but I am 3 days behind on this challenge. It is getting pretty tough, but I'm trying to stay determined.  I don't have the strength to do them all in one go, so I am trying to do half before my walk and the rest after.  I figure it counts as long as I get the required number of reps in! :-)

Challenge #2: New 12-Week ActiveLink Challenge

I really pushed myself during my new assessment week.  I wanted the new challenge to reflect the changes I've made over the last several weeks. I have to say this is probably my best week of activity yet.  I earned 25 activity points for the week.  Fantastic!  This includes going to the gym for 3 strength training workouts and going for a 3 mile walk on most nights.

In January when I did my first assessment week, I ranked in the "towards activity base line" and my challenge was to try to get to 3 activity points per day by the end of 12 weeks.  I'm excited by my new results!  I'm now earning about 4 activity points per day.  My challenge is to earn 6 activity points per day by the end of 12 weeks.  

I think this challenge will really keep me moving this summer!  I plan to do strength training 4 days per week and walk/run 3 miles 5 days per week.  That should get me to the 6 points + per day range!

Challenge #3: Running (kind of)

I've been running short distances along my walking trail.  I don't have the endurance to run much, but I like to set little visual goals as I walk.  I tell myself I'll run to the next light post or fire hydrant.  I push myself hard during the first mile, then I take it a bit more easy for the next 2.  I'm using the RunKeeper app to keep track of my progress.  I love that it keeps track of my personal bests.  Here they are so far:

I can't believe I actually had a best average pace of 14:09 per mile!  That's 2 minutes faster than my goal of 16:00 per mile! I'm obviously not hitting that rate consistently, but with that as a new target I will continue to push myself.

Challenge #4: Diet Bet

This is the last week of the Diet Bet, and I have 3lbs to lose to reach my 4% goal.  I'm hopeful, but know the scale doesn't always budge that much in a week.  I'm proud of my progress over the 4 week diet bet even if I don't finish as a winner though!  Every pound lost is a victory!  Don't believe me... check this out! 

In Other News:

I'm trying out some different WW meeting times for summer.  I'm hoping to find a Wednesday or Thursday night meeting that I like.  That will give me a bit more flexibility in my weekend meals.  Weighing in on Sunday has been good, but I'm wanting to be able to enjoy some Friday or Saturday splurge meals instead of feeling so limited on those nights.  Since I'm switching meeting times, there will be no photo and scale update for this blog post.  I'm going to keep the blog on Sundays, but will have to wait til next week for my next scale update!  Stay tuned!